ᐅ Which screws did I use incorrectly during the assembly of the Ikea BESTA unit?

Hello everyone, I am currently assembling my Ikea Besta shelving system and feel like I might have used some screws incorrectly during the build. My specific question is: which screws should I use when attaching the side panels to the back panels in the BESTA system? I have different screws in the packages, including both long wood screws and shorter cam screws, and I am unsure if I should have used the cam screws instead of the wood screws in some places. My main concern is the stability of the structure and making sure nothing is loose or assembled incorrectly. Could someone explain how to properly assign the screws and where exactly each type must be used? Thanks in advance!

The back panel is usually fixed with small nails or thinner screws, but not cam screws. Cam screws are intended for the carcass joints. Wood screws are used for shelving and side panels.

Great question! I had the exact same problem, and it’s really important to use the screws correctly! 😊 It’s best to lay out all the screws sorted so you can see which ones are longer or more specialized. For BESTA, the cam screws are mainly used for the connector piece in the side panels to hold the part firmly together. The back panel is usually secured with thinner screws, so don’t apply too much force there. Keep it up, you’ve got this!

Regarding the correct use of screws in the BESTA system: Cam screws are used within the carcass as the connecting mechanism between the individual panels. They should only be inserted into the designated holes, which are usually equipped with plastic sleeves. Wood screws, on the other hand, are used for fixed connections, such as when attaching back panels or cover plates. A common mistake is using cam screws in areas where only a simple wood screw is intended, as this can cause looseness. Thinner screws should be used for securing the back panel, which are usually screwed into pre-drilled holes.

KLONA schrieb:
A common mistake is using eccentric screws in areas where only a standard wood screw is intended, as this causes instability.

That’s exactly what I suspected because after assembling the walls, everything felt quite wobbly. Can someone clarify in which construction steps of the BESTA assembly eccentric screws must absolutely be used? Is it exclusively at the joints between the side panels and shelves, or also when attaching fronts and other components?

Cam lock screws are primarily intended for carcass connections, meaning the joints between side panels and shelves. Separate hinges and screws, which are different from cam lock screws, are used for front panels. Back panels, on the other hand, are fixed with thin screws or nails. Using the wrong type of screw at a joint often leads to instability. Therefore, always carefully check the instructions and use cam lock screws only where the holes for the cam lock nuts are designed.